Recognizing the heroic efforts of
firefighters to contain numerous wildfires that have affected thousands of
people throughout the United States.

Whereas every State in the United States has been affected
by wildfire in 2011;

Whereas firefighters and residents have had to contend
with extreme and erratic fire behavior and rapid rates of fire spread;

Whereas, as of June 12, 2011, more than 32,189 wildfires
have burned more than 4,700,000 acres of land, which represents more acres
burned than in all of 2010 and approximately 600,000 more acres than the
50-year average of total acres burned in the United States in an entire
year;

Whereas, as of June 12, 2011—

(1)

the Southwestern
States have reported more than 1,600 fires that have burned more than 1,700,000
acres;

(2)

the Southern
States have reported more than 27,000 fires that have burned more than
2,400,000 acres;

(3)

the Northern and
Central Rocky Mountain States have reported 818 fires that have burned more
than 250,000 acres;

(4)

the State of
California and Great Basin Region have reported more than 7,200 fires that have
burned more than 21,000 acres;

(5)

the Northwestern
States and Alaska have reported more than 400 fires that have burned more than
260,000 acres; and

(6)

the Eastern
States have reported more than 3,500 fires that have burned more than 41,000
acres;

Whereas, as of June 29, 2011, firefighters and personnel
from the Federal, State, and county levels have responded overwhelmingly to
battle wildfires throughout the United States, filling more than 95,600
requests for firefighter crew members; and

Whereas the brave men and women who answered the calls for
assistance have worked to minimize the displacement of thousands of residents
and to protect against loss of life and property: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate—

(1)

recognizes the
heroic efforts of firefighters to contain wildfires and protect lives, homes,
natural resources, and rural economies throughout the United States;

(2)

encourages the
people and government officials of the United States to express their
appreciation to the brave men and women serving in the firefighting services
throughout the United States;

(3)

encourages the
people and communities of the United States to be diligent in preventing and
preparing for wildfires; and

(4)

encourages the
people of the United States to keep in their thoughts those who have
experienced loss as a result of wildfire.